“Kai, do you have any proof?”
“No, only Maya knows exactly who did it. Mommy, this incident has hurt her deeply. I think she was too afraid, that’s why she refused to talk about it. We should probably help her overcome that fear before she can open up.”
Nicole felt relieved when she saw how observant and mature Kyle was.
“All right, Mommy knows what to do. I’ll try my best to help Maya out.”
Nicole then recalled how scared Maya looked when she was applying acupuncture to herself with the silver needle last night.
Maya hid in a corner and whispered, “Can you please stop using the needle, Mommy?” When I asked her why, she said, “Because it hurts, Mommy! Don’t ever poke people with needles, okay?” I didn’t think much about it at the time as I thought she was just afraid of needles like every other kid out there, but it turns out that she was abused with needles before! Who the hell would do such a cruel thing to a child? This is unacceptable!
Nicole felt her heart ache as she remembered the terrified look on Maya’s face.
Mommy’s definitely going to avenge you, Maya! If Susan really did abuse you like that, I’ll make sure she pays for it a hundred times over! Nobody bullies my children! Nobody!
She thought to herself with a vicious look in her eyes.
As Nicole came out of the room, she saw Maya putting a jigsaw puzzle together. Maya would always bring out her Maya Punch whenever she lost an argument with Nina, but she simply rubbed her palms together in frustration and kept her head low when Nina reprimanded her recently. I was wondering what happened to her, and now I know she’s been abused both mentally and physically…
Nicole took a deep breath and walked towards Maya.
“Hey, Maya! Would you like Mommy to help you with this?”
Maya nodded repeatedly and handed her two pieces of the puzzle. Nicole then took them over with a smile, and the two continued putting the puzzle together.
Oh, Maya… How will I ever get you to tell me who abused you? Kyle may have told me about his suspicions, but I need to hear it from Maya before I can do anything…
“The picture in this puzzle is a food court, Mommy! When we reach home, I wanna continue learning to make all sorts of delicious food!”
Reach home? Maya’s still thinking of going back to Y City? That’s where I nearly died! I don’t want to go back there! Hmm… I wonder if she’ll be willing to stay here if I can find her a local chef to teach her instead…
Nicole thought to herself and decided to give it a try.
Meanwhile, at the Darkmoon Manor, Susan was looking at Evan longingly with her suitcase in hand.
She really didn’t want to go back home, but she didn’t dare defy Evan’s orders either. “Evan, remember to eat on time and take good care of yourself!” She reminded him before leaving.
Evan nodded. “I will.”
“Evan, are you sure you want me to leave? I really don’t want to. Who knows, maybe the kids will be back soon! They’d need me to look after them, then!”
John cleared his throat. Susan thinks too highly of herself… There’s no way those kids are gonna leave their mommy for her! In fact, they don’t like her at all! It’s obvious that she wants to stay, but will Mr. Seet give in to her tears?
As expected, Evan ignored her and turned towards Darius. “Send Ms. Susan to the airport.”
